The Irish Ship Agents’ Association is probably unique in the world’s ships’ agency fraternity in that it was formed only about thirty years ago. In its beginnings, it was low key, its administration being undertaken by a staff member of one of its constituent companies. The Secretarial appointment changed fairly regularly, sometimes to coincide with a Presidential appointment. Only in 1980 did the Association decide that a permanent Secretariat was necessary, particularly with the advent of the EEC.
IRISH SHIPPING INDUSTRY
The Irish Shipping Industry was making a slow recovery from the affects of war. One of the most disastrous outcomes of which was the demise of the State company, Irish Shipping Ltd. It has never been replaced. Smaller local companies expanded fleets, one of which, Arklow Shipping Ltd, has had considerable and spectacular success.
Part of the failure to encourage new shipping acquisitions has been blamed on the unfavourable tax regimes which successive governments have applied even to on board personnel. This has led to ship registration abroad and the employment of foreign crews. Thankfully the present Government has resolved the situation and made effective tax concessions to owners and crews.
THE PORTS
Probably the greatest state contribution to the industry has been the freeing up of the main ports and establishing them as semi-state bodies, operating commercially and being each responsible for its own financial survival. This has encouraged a healthy rivalry between ports, each endeavouring to increase business by attracting lucrative shipping and cargoes, both in the import and export trade.
Ports to benefit so far from this are, Drogheda, Dublin, New Ross, Waterford, Cork, Shannon Estuary, Foynes and Galway. Soon to follow is Wicklow. At present the KPMG consultants are conducting a survey of smaller state regional ports with a view to making recommendations as to their future status. This could well establish Bantry, Kinsale, Sligo, Greenore, Killybegs etc as earmarked for future development and perhaps self-administration.
Government grants for the development of infrastructure in semi-state ports and indeed elsewhere has been generous. Road structure, leading to and from dock areas, however, needs more attention particularly in the Dublin area.
Passenger and car ferries have been improved and increased far beyond what older enthusiasts had even imagined. It is near the truth to say that this corner of the shipping industry has been more than well supplied.
DEPARTMENT RECOGNITION
Irish Ship Agents and Brokers have benefited considerably from the decision by the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources to officially recognise their Association as the national representative body for such registered companies. Consultancy status has also been conferred. The Irish Ship Agents’ Association now has regular conferences with the Department. At these, the Department updates the ISAA representatives on intended developments and seeks the Association’s views. The Association, at these meetings, may also raise its own proposals and be advised on them. The arrangement has proved to be very useful to both sides. Through these contacts, the Association has been able to contribute to the findings of the Irish Road Haulage Review, the Small Ports Survey and the contents of the 1996 Harbours Act.
ISAA has an excellent working relationship with the Maritime Transport Division of the Government’s Department of the Marine.
FONASBA AND RELATIONSHIPS
The Irish Association has been a member of FONASBA since the body’s inception and taken an active part in all its undertakings. ISAA led the way in helping to create a special Code of Conduct for FONASBA members, providing a Vice-Chairman, Michael Ennis, Conway Shipping, Dublin and a Secretary for the organising Committee. Dr Vojko Borcic, Croatia was Chairman.
From 1993 to 1994, ISAA held the Presidency of FONASBA (Mr Des Jennings) during which period FONASBA national association membership was considerably increased. In 1987 ISAA planned and conducted most successfully the FONASBA Annual Meeting in Dublin. Currently it has representation actively engaged in the ECASBA Working Group on Customs and Transit.
ISAA provides two delegates and a Secretary for FONASBA’s British and Irish Sub-Committee (BRISCOM). This reports to the international body on activities in the UK and Ireland range areas. The UK delegation to BRISCOM is supplied by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, London (Mr Derek Johnson and Mr John Good).
ISAA representatives are Mr. John Dundon & Mr. Pat Brennan. Currently ISAA holds the chairmanship of BRISCOM, Chairman John Dundon.
Both ISAA and the Institute continually co-operate on matters of mutual interest. ISAA is presently conducting an education programme through the Irish Branch of the Institute and through TUTORSHIP in London.
NEW NAUTICAL COLLEGE
The Irish Association welcomes the establishment of the new full time Nautical College in Cork Harbour at Ringaskiddy. This caters for crew training, education, naval cadets and seafarers taking up associated shore appointments. There is a big demand for fully trained personnel particularly in tanker and container vessels.
FUTURE PROSPERITY
The shipping industry in Ireland seems now set fair for a period of even fuller development. Membership of the European Union has helped considerably, making Ireland commercially very viable with consequent development in its market place. The support of the Ship Agents and Brokers organisation (ISAA) has been an encouragement and an aid in ensuring the full participation of its members in the international scene.
